Säsong
Avsnitt
Spelarserver
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

19767
DramaKomediSoap
Släppt
05 jan. 1976
Land
USA
Produktioner
TAT Communications CompanyFilmways Television
I den fiktiva staden Fernwood, Ohio, söker den förortshemmafru Mary Hartman den typ av hemlig perfektion som Reader's Digest och TV-reklamer lovar. Istället finner hon sig själv lida av den skamlösa lyckans slungor och pilar: massmord, lågt flygande flygplan och vaxartade gula ansamlingar på köksgolvet.

About

Quick guide

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman is a surreal, satirical soap opera that blends dark humor with domestic drama.

Set in the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio, the series follows suburban housewife Mary Hartman as she tries to live the perfect life promised by glossy magazines and daytime soaps. Her pursuit of normalcy is met with absurd and often violent twists—mass murders, bizarre accidents, and inexplicable phenomena. The show uses sharp satire to lampoon 1970s American consumer culture, gender roles, and the myth of suburban bliss, all while keeping viewers on their toes with unpredictable plot turns. With a mix of comedy, drama, and mystery, it remains a cult classic that still resonates with audiences who enjoy offbeat, socially aware television.

What to know

  • Two seasons with 325 total episodes.
  • 30‑minute runtime per episode.
  • Syndicated daily soap format.
  • Created by Norman Lear, known for social satire.
  • Blends comedy, drama, and surreal events.
  • Set in a fictional suburban Ohio town.
  • Features dark humor and satire of 1970s culture.
  • Contains occasional violence and shocking moments.

Watch if

If you appreciate sharp satire, off‑beat humor, and a critique of suburban perfection, this daily soap offers a unique blend of comedy, drama, and absurdity.

Skip if

If you prefer light‑hearted, straightforward sitcoms without surreal twists or dark satire, this show may feel too over‑the‑top and chaotic.

dark tonedialogue heavypolitical themespsychological elementsmature themessuspensefulsome gorefast pacedlanguage some
Setting and Premise
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman unfolds in Fernwood, Ohio, a fictional suburb that mirrors the idealized American middle class. The series follows Mary Hartman, a housewife chasing the perfect life while her world spirals into absurdity. Surreal events—from mass murders to low‑flying aircraft—intersect with domestic routines, creating a darkly humorous critique of 1970s consumer culture.
Main Characters
Louise Lasser portrays Mary Hartman, the earnest, overwhelmed housewife. Supporting roles include her husband, Jim, played by Greg Mullavey, and neighbors like Garth Gimble, voiced by Martin Mull. Each character embodies a facet of suburban life, providing both comic relief and poignant social commentary.
Tone and Style
The show mixes soap‑opera melodrama with absurd satire, using rapid dialogue and exaggerated scenarios. Dark humor, occasional gore, and a fast‑paced narrative keep viewers engaged while critiquing societal norms. The surreal tone invites a blend of comedy and psychological tension.
Key Episodes
Notable moments include a hostage crisis, a bizarre death by Christmas tree, and a televised breakdown. These episodes highlight the show’s willingness to push boundaries, offering memorable, shocking content without sacrificing its satirical edge.
Cultural Impact
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman pioneered a form of television satire that challenged network standards. Its critique of 1970s suburban life influenced later shows that blend comedy with social commentary, cementing its status as a cult classic.
Availability
The series is not currently on mainstream streaming services. Complete runs are available on DVD, and select episodes may appear in retrospectives or special collections. A reboot in development could bring the show to a new platform.

FAQ

25 Q&A
How many seasons and episodes does Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman have?
The show ran for two seasons, comprising a total of 325 episodes. Each episode ran for about 30 minutes, airing daily in syndication.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Each episode is approximately 30 minutes long, typical of a daily daytime soap opera format.
Where is the show set?
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman is set in the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio, a stand‑in for typical American suburbs.
Who created the show?
The series was created by Norman Lear, a pioneer of socially conscious television.
Who stars as Mary Hartman?
Louise Lasser portrays Mary Hartman, the central character whose domestic life spirals into chaos.
Which network originally aired the show?
It was broadcast in syndication rather than on a single network, allowing it to reach a wide audience.
Was it a daily soap?
Yes, the show aired daily, following the classic soap opera schedule with 30‑minute episodes.
Is it available for streaming?
Currently, the series is not available on mainstream streaming platforms. Complete collections can be purchased on DVD.
Are there any spin‑offs?
After the original run, a spin‑off called Forever Fernwood aired for one season, featuring many of the same characters.
Is there a reboot?
A reboot is in development by Sony Pictures Television, though its release date remains uncertain.
What is the tone of the show?
The series blends dark humor, surreal satire, and dramatic tension, creating an unpredictable and often shocking viewing experience.
Does the show contain controversial storylines?
Yes, the show features violent incidents, bizarre deaths, and sexual themes that pushed the boundaries of daytime television at the time.
Does it include any murders?
The series includes several fictional murders as part of its exaggerated plot twists, contributing to its surreal atmosphere.
Is there a theme song?
The show has an original theme, often described as jaunty and ironic, underscoring its satirical nature.
Why did the show end after two seasons?
Production demands and Louise Lasser's fatigue from the daily schedule led to the series concluding after two seasons in 1977.
Who wrote most episodes?
Norman Lear and a team of writers, including Tom Eyen and Gail Parent, contributed to the bulk of the scripts.
What kind of humor does it use?
The humor is sharp, satirical, and often absurd, blending slapstick moments with biting social commentary.
Is the show considered a cult classic?
Yes, it is regarded as a cult classic for its bold satire and ahead‑of‑its‑time treatment of societal issues.
How did the show critique 1970s America?
It lampooned consumerism, gender expectations, and the illusion of suburban perfection through exaggerated storylines and characters.
Were there any notable guest stars?
The series featured guest appearances by actors such as Martin Mull and other recognizable figures from the 1970s television scene.
Are there episodes that are fan favorites?
Episodes featuring extreme plot twists, like the hostage crisis or a televised breakdown, are often cited by fans as highlights.
Does the show explore mental health?
Mary’s emotional struggles and breakdowns provide commentary on mental health and the pressures of domestic life.
Is Mary Hartman's relationship with her husband central?
Yes, the dynamics between Mary and her husband Jim are central to the narrative, reflecting both comedy and conflict.
What is the significance of the title?
The repetitive title emphasizes the repetitive, routine nature of suburban life while hinting at the absurdity that follows.
How does the show blend genres?
It mixes elements of comedy, drama, soap opera melodrama, and surreal satire, creating a unique genre hybrid that challenges viewers’ expectations.

Skådespelare

Louise Lasser
Louise Lasser
Mary Hartman
Greg Mullavey
Greg Mullavey
Tom Hartman
Mary Kay Place
Mary Kay Place
Loretta Haggers
Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis
Charlie Haggers
Dody Goodman
Dody Goodman
Martha Larkin Shumway
Debralee Scott
Debralee Scott
Cathy Shumway
Victor Kilian
Victor Kilian
Raymond Larkin
Dabney Coleman
Dabney Coleman
Merle Jeeter
Claudia Lamb
Claudia Lamb
Heather Hartman
Marian Mercer
Marian Mercer
Wanda Rittenhouse / Wanda Jeeter